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Arizona Cardinals: Projecting the 53-man roster

The Cardinals starters won't play against the Chargers Thursday in the final preseason game, and by Friday morning the outcome of the game will be forgotten by many. But that doesn't mean the game is unimportant to the players who will take the field. It's their last chance to impress coaches, and Cardinals coach Bruce Arians has said around five roster spots are open. NFL teams must trim their rosters to 53 by Saturday afternoon, and the Cardinals are expected to start the process on Friday. Here are Kent Somers' projections for the 53-man roster.

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Arizona Cardinals: Projecting the 53-man roster

The Cardinals starters won't play against the Chargers Thursday in the final preseason game, and by Friday morning the outcome of the game will be forgotten by many. But that doesn't mean the game is unimportant to the players who will take the field. It's their last chance to impress coaches, and Cardinals coach Bruce Arians has said around five roster spots are open. NFL teams must trim their rosters to 53 by Saturday afternoon, and the Cardinals are expected to start the process on Friday. Here are Kent Somers' projections for the 53-man roster. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

The bottom line: This is the easiest position to pick. All three quarterbacks on the roster make it. The only question was if Thomas would beat out Ryan Lindley, and he did. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

The bottom line: Again, not a hard choice. Ellington is the featured back with the other three having roles. Dwyer and Taylor will be used in short yardage. Hughes also might get carries in those situations and he can block and catch. With Hughes, the Cardinals don't have to use a tight end as an H-back. Tom Tingle/azcentral sports

The bottom line: Carlson looked great this off-season and Housler, in his fourth year, needs to prove he can be consistent. Niklas, a second-round pick, and Fells, a converted basketball player, are raw. If Carlson or Housler is hurt, it will be a significant blow. David Kadlubowski/azcentral sports

The bottom line: The main question at this spot is if the Cardinals keep five or six. I think they keep six because of the depth of talent. A sixth-round pick, Powell has enough ability on special teams to keep on the regular roster. The Cardinals will gamble they can get Dan Buckner and/or Brittan Golden to the practice squad. Tom Tingle/azcentral sports

The bottom line:Max Starks was cut earlier this week because Sowell started to play better. I think Sowell will make it over Potter. Watford's status is the question mark here. A fourth-round pick in 2013, he might be claimed if waived. I'm guessing the Cardinals will hang on to an athletic young player. Associated Press

The bottom line: The Cardinals signed Tommy Kelly on Wednesday and would consider signing another lineman. They liked tackle Isaac Sopoaga before a lackluster outing against the Bengals. They like Martin and Stinson, rookies, so they need experience, not more youth. Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

The bottom line: I don't think Alexander's spot is secure, but I'm guessing his special teams ability and his leadership keep him on the roster. Marcus Benard will be a tough cut because he has some pass-rush skills. Charlie Leight/azcentral sports

The bottom line:This doesn't seem like a hard choice, unless coaches place a higher value on rookie Glenn Carson than they do Bishop. But I think they will want Bishop's experience, given that Minter is playing with a pectoral injury and Demens played in only two games last year as a rookie. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

The bottom line:In building a 53-man roster, you have to go short at one or two spots. This is it for me. I could be wrong and Bryan McCann or Teddy Williams could make the team. I went with just four because Tyrann Mathieu, when he's healthy can play some cornerback. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

The bottom line: Mathieu might not be ready for the opener, so if the Cardinals keep a fifth safety, it likely would CurtisTaylor. If Bucannon plays like he did against the Bengals last week, this is an excellent young group of players. Charlie Leight/azcentral sports

The bottom line: Coach Bruce Arians hopes he gave Catanzaro a confidence boost by releasing Jay Feely this week. Catanzaro could help his coach relax if he kicked well in San Diego in the final preseason game. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports